Speaking at the official opening, Invest NI’s Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton said: “This new facility marks an exciting new chapter for Yelo that will facilitate the company’s continued growth in North America, Asia and Europe.

The investment that this high tech company is making in Carrickfergus is a positive endorsement of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry

- Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI

“The investment that this high tech company is making in Carrickfergus is a positive endorsement of both Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry and the expertise of its skilled workforce.

“The company has experienced an increasing demand for its products. This new state of the art building, constructed with our support, gives Yelo the additional capacity and capability to win and fulfil larger projects for its growing, global customer base.

“Yelo has maintained a close working relationship with Invest NI throughout its development and availed of expert advice on its new factory layout and specification. As a result, the manufacturer is adopting energy saving measures and lean principles throughout this facility that will boost efficiencies and enhance its overall competitiveness.”

Yelo designs, develops and manufactures sophisticated automated test equipment for testing and measuring the performance of lasers, radar systems and electronic products. Its customers include high-end manufacturing/software development companies such as Cisco and Schneider Electric.

The company purchased the 3.5 acre site in Trooperslane from Invest NI and constructed its purpose built facility in less than two years. The high spec mechanical and electrical manufacturing facility boasts a clean room, anti-static flooring and a flexible production layout to suit business needs.

Richard Furey, Yelo’s Managing Director, said: “We were keen to design a working environment that reflected the ethos of the company and this custom built facility is a significant achievement in the history of the business.

“Our new site offers the amenities we need to continue to grow in our target markets. We are grateful for the expertise and support of a range of partners including Invest NI, Architects Teague and Sally, Danske Bank and OB Construction.

With Invest NI’s continued support we have been able to develop our advanced technology

- Richard Furey, Yelo

“With Invest NI’s continued support we have been able to develop our advanced technology through R&D assistance and then to bring the technology to market by means of trade missions, particularly the US market, still our biggest and now our most successful source of business.

“We want to continue to increase market share in our target areas by developing new and complementary products. Our new facility will enable us to accommodate the additional staff and production levels we need to deliver this vision.”

Peter McRoberts, business acquisition manager at Danske Bank, added: “Danske Bank is proud to have supported Yelo in the construction of its new premises and, more importantly, to be supporting the company as it continues to grow and develop.

“Yelo is a great example of an innovative Northern Ireland company, which is dealing in a fast moving, global industry with top tier tech companies as clients. Danske Bank has a strong track record of supporting ambitious companies like Yelo, who we expect to go on to achieve even greater success in future.”